Pharmacology · HIV entry inhibitors
Maraviroc !
Blocks the human CCR5 co-receptor HIV uses to enter. It only works if the patient's virus uses CCR5, which is checked first.
Updated 2026-11-01
Also called: MVC
The figure shows maraviroc in the transmembrane pocket of the human CCR5 receptor (crystal of a construct engineered for crystallisation).
Mechanism of action
It binds the cell's CCR5 receptor and blocks binding of HIV gp120, which needs this co-receptor after binding CD4. It does not act on virus that uses CXCR4.
- HIV first binds CD4 on the cell
- Maraviroc occupies the CCR5 co-receptor
- gp120 cannot use CCR5 and the virus does not enter
Pharmacokinetics
- Metabolism
- Liver, by CYP3A; exposure changes greatly with CYP3A inhibitors and inducers
Indications
- HIV-1 infection with CCR5-only tropism, combined with other antiretrovirals HIV infection and AIDS →
Adverse effects
Common
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Cough, fever
- Rash
- Dizziness and postural hypotension
Contraindications
- Severe kidney failure when strong CYP3A inhibitors or inducers are used at the same time
Key interactions
- Strong CYP3A inhibitors (most boosted PIs)
- Raise maraviroc: adjusted
- CYP3A inducers (for example efavirenz, rifampicin)
- Lower maraviroc: adjusted
What is monitored
- Viral tropism test before starting
- Liver tests
- Blood pressure (postural hypotension)
- Viral load and CD4
Administration and safety
- By mouth
- Review all drugs that alter CYP3A, because they change the ordered regimen
Nursing care
- Confirm the CCR5 tropism result in the record
- Teach to stand up slowly if dizzy
- Teach the signs of hepatitis and allergy (rash, fever, jaundice)
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Antiretroviral treatment in pregnancy protects the mother and lowers HIV transmission to the baby; the treating team chooses the regimen.
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Why doesn't maraviroc work for every patient with HIV?
It only blocks entry of virus that uses CCR5; if the virus uses CXCR4 (or both), it has no effect.
What is maraviroc's main warning?
Hepatotoxicity, which may be preceded by rash or a systemic allergic reaction.
What is maraviroc's target?
The human CCR5 chemokine receptor, a co-receptor for HIV entry.
Related drugs
Related conditions
← Back to the class: HIV entry inhibitors
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: DailyMed - MARAVIROC tablet, film coated (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); Maraviroc: MedlinePlus Drug Information (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2025); ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026); Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 14th ed., ch. 64 (McGraw Hill, 2023).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.