Ifenprodil hemitartrate is primarily used in research and medical applications due to its role as a selective antagonist of NMDA receptors, specifically targeting the NR2B subunit. This property makes it valuable in studying neurological conditions and pathways, particularly those related to excitotoxicity, pain, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. It is also investigated for its potential neuroprotective effects in stroke and brain injury models. Additionally, ifenprodil hemitartrate has been explored in psychiatric research for its implications in depression and anxiety disorders, given its influence on glutamate signaling in the brain. Its application extends to pharmacological studies aiming to develop novel therapeutics for central nervous system disorders.