References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Maraviroc (brand name Celsentri in the UK, Selzentry in the US) is a CCR5 antagonist, a type of antiretroviral that works differently from most other HIV drugs. Instead of targeting HIV’s own enzymes, maraviroc blocks a receptor on the surface of human immune cells, preventing HIV from entering and infecting them.
How Does Maraviroc Work?
HIV enters CD4 cells by binding to two receptors on the cell surface: the CD4 receptor and a co-receptor (usually CCR5 or CXCR4). Maraviroc blocks the CCR5 co-receptor, preventing CCR5-tropic HIV from attaching to and entering the cell.
This mechanism means maraviroc only works against CCR5-tropic HIV. A tropism test must be done before prescribing to confirm that the patient’s virus uses the CCR5 co-receptor. If the virus uses CXCR4 (or both), maraviroc won’t be effective.
Dosage
- 150mg, 300mg, or 600mg twice daily depending on other drugs being taken (interactions affect the dose)
- Can be taken with or without food
When Is Maraviroc Used?
Maraviroc is not a first-line HIV treatment. It’s typically used when:
- The patient has CCR5-tropic virus (confirmed by tropism test)
- Other drug classes have failed or caused intolerable side effects
- Drug resistance limits other options
- As part of a salvage regimen for treatment-experienced patients
Side Effects
- Cough, upper respiratory infections
- Fever
- Rash
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- Liver problems (rare but serious — liver function monitoring required)
Read more: What is HIV? | HIV drug resistance
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a tropism test before taking maraviroc?
Maraviroc only blocks the CCR5 co-receptor. If your HIV uses CXCR4 to enter cells, maraviroc won’t work. The tropism test determines which co-receptor your virus uses.
Is maraviroc used as first-line treatment?
No. It’s reserved for treatment-experienced patients or those with specific resistance patterns. First-line treatment typically uses integrase inhibitors.
Related reading
- Efavirenz for HIV: An Older NNRTI Still in Use
- Eviplera: How This Anti-HIV Drug Works
- Dolutegravir: A Complete Guide to This HIV Medication
- Understanding Efavirenz in HIV Treatment
- Injectable HIV Treatment: Everything You Need to Know
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
