The inhibition performance of an antibiotic namely Claulenic acid (CLA) on stainless steel 304 dissolution in 2N HCl has been analyzed using theoretical values of EHOMO, ELUMO, ΔE and dipole moment mass loss, gasometric and electrochemical studies. The antibiotic seems to be more effective in reducing the dissolution of steel in 2N HCl. Galvanostatic polarization curves clearly showed out that the inhibitor follows mixed mode of inhibition in acidic media. The adsorption of inhibitor on SS 304 surface followed Temkin’s adsorption isotherm.