Used as an antiprotozoal and antihelminthic medication, primarily in the treatment of intestinal parasitic infections such as amoebiasis, giardiasis, and cryptosporidiosis. It works by inhibiting protein synthesis in protozoa, bacteria, and helminths, preventing their growth. It is also effective against certain helminths and is commonly used in veterinary medicine for controlling internal parasites in livestock and companion animals. In human medicine, it serves as an alternative treatment for hepatic encephalopathy by reducing ammonia-producing gut bacteria. Due to low systemic absorption, it has fewer side effects when used orally and is particularly safe for gastrointestinal infections. Additionally, it is employed in cell culture and molecular biology as a selection agent in genetic engineering, particularly in eukaryotic cell lines expressing resistance genes.