Used primarily to treat hypoglycemia caused by excessive insulin secretion, such as in insulinoma or leucine-sensitive hypoglycemia in infants. It works by inhibiting insulin release from pancreatic beta cells through activation of ATP-sensitive potassium channels. Also used off-label in some cases of persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy (PHHI). Additionally, it has been used in the management of hypertension, especially in acute hypertensive crises, due to its vasodilatory effects, although this use is less common today. In research settings, it serves as a pharmacological tool to study potassium channel function and insulin regulation.