Organic anion transporter 3 interacts selectively with lipophilic β-lactam antibiotics.

Transporters are major determinants of the disposition of xenobiotics and endogenous chemicals in the body. Organic anion transporter 3 (Oat3) functions in the kidney and brain to remove metabolic waste, toxins, and drugs, and thus transports diverse chemicals. Some β-lactam antibiotics interact with Oat3, and penicillin G exhibits a strong dependence on Oat3 for renal elimination.