People on medications such as antipsychotics, antihypertensives, and some over-the-counter products reduce their ability to stay cool, regulate body temperature or perceive thirst.

In 2014, a record heatwave baked most of south-eastern Australia with fatalities in Tasmania and 10 people admitted to Melbourne’s St Vincent’s Hospital from critically low sodium levels. Recent research has noted prescription drugs played a role. Carolyn Nguyen from Pharmacists for the Environment Australia writes on the dangers of heat and prescription drugs.