The influence of Chloramphenicol (CPCL) on corrosion of mild steel in saline water (5% NaCl) has been studied using weight loss, gasometric measurements, potentiodynamic polarization and impedance studies. The studies clearly indicated that CPCL acted as cathodic inhibitor. The adsorption of the compound on mild steel surface obeyed Temkin’s adsorption isotherm. Diffused reflectance spectra confirmed the formation of adsorbed film of inhibitor on metal. © 2016 University of Manchester and the authors.