Used primarily in veterinary medicine as an antimicrobial and antiprotozoal agent, especially in poultry and livestock to control infections caused by anaerobic bacteria and protozoa such as Trichomonas and Histomonas. It has been widely applied in the prevention and treatment of histomoniasis (blackhead disease) in turkeys and other birds. Due to concerns over toxic residues and potential carcinogenicity, its use has been banned or restricted in many countries, particularly in food-producing animals. Also investigated for its radiosensitizing properties in certain cancer treatments, though this remains experimental.