Pirlimycin hydrochloride is a salt of the semi-synthetic tetracycline analogue, pirlimycin. The hydrochloride salt forms at the basic pipercolic acid moiety and is the preferred pharmaceutical formulation. Like other members of the lincosamide family, pirlimycin hydrochloride is a broad spectrum antibiotic with activity against anaerobic bacteria and protozoans. Pirlimycin hydrochloride acts by binding to the 23S ribosomal subunit, blocking protein synthesis. Pirlimycin hydrochloride has been less extensively researched than the older more established lincosamides.