[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › [HIV entry inhibitors](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/hiv-entry-inhibitors/) › Maraviroc

[Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) · [HIV entry inhibitors](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/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

- Class: [HIV entry inhibitors](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/hiv-entry-inhibitors/)
- Receptor: Human CCR5 chemokine receptor
- ATC code: J05AX09

Also called: MVC

◎**Human CCR5 chemokine receptor**Maraviroc

ⓘ The figure shows maraviroc in the transmembrane pocket of the human CCR5 receptor (crystal of a construct engineered for crystallisation).

**Target in 3D:** Human CCR5 chemokine receptor. PDB structure 4MBS (RCSB PDB, public domain). [View the structure at RCSB PDB](https://www.rcsb.org/structure/4MBS) · Drag to rotate · pinch to zoom

## 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 →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/hiv-infection-and-aids/)

## Adverse effects

### Common

- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Cough, fever
- Rash
- Dizziness and postural hypotension

### Serious (rare, important)

- Hepatotoxicity, sometimes preceded by rash or a systemic allergic reaction
- Severe skin reactions
- More cardiovascular events (ischaemia, infarction) in heavily pre-treated patients

## 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.

## Memory aid

'MaRaViroc = Must Read Viral tropism' first.

## 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.

[Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/pharmacology/maraviroc/)

## Related drugs

- [Enfuvirtide](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/enfuvirtide/)

## Related conditions

- [HIV infection and AIDS](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/hiv-infection-and-aids/)

[← Back to the class: HIV entry inhibitors](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/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](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c35f72dc-d90e-43f8-9899-f7d1da89460d) (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [Maraviroc: MedlinePlus Drug Information](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607076.html) (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2025); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=J05AX09) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026); Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 14th ed., ch. 64 (McGraw Hill, 2023).

## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake

Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/maraviroc/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/maraviroc/