Malaria Pills & Antimalarial Prescription — Mississauga
Malaria prevention medication (Malarone, doxycycline, mefloquine) requires a prescription from a physician. At Peel Travel Clinic, our travel medicine physician assesses your destination and medical history to prescribe the most appropriate antimalarial medication for your trip.
See also our comprehensive malaria prevention page for full destination risk information. Call (905) 890-2757 to book your consultation.
Antimalarial Medication Comparison
| Medication | Dosing | Start Before | Continue After | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malarone (atovaquone-proguanil) | Daily | 1–2 days | 7 days | Most common; well tolerated; take with food. Not in pregnancy. |
| Doxycycline | Daily | 1–2 days | 28 days | Lowest cost; sun sensitivity; not for pregnancy or <8 yrs; also covers travellers' diarrhea. |
| Mefloquine (Lariam) | Weekly | 2–3 weeks | 4 weeks | Convenient for long trips; may cause vivid dreams, mood changes; not for history of psychiatric illness. |
| Chloroquine | Weekly | 1–2 weeks | 4 weeks | Only for chloroquine-sensitive malaria areas (limited); safe in pregnancy. Resistance common in most regions. |
Our physician will select the appropriate medication based on your destination's malaria species, drug resistance patterns, your medical history, and trip length.
Malaria Risk by Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
HIGH RISK — prophylaxis essential
All countries; Plasmodium falciparum (most dangerous); Malarone or doxycycline recommended.
South Asia (India, Nepal Terai)
MODERATE RISK — region dependent
India: risk varies by state; high in northeastern states and Odisha. Nepal Terai: risk limited to lowlands.
Southeast Asia
LOW-MODERATE — varies by country
Tourist areas (Bangkok, Bali, Manila) low risk. Rural border regions higher. Drug-resistant strains present.
Latin America
MODERATE — Amazon/rural areas
Amazon basin (Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela): risk. Urban areas like Lima, Rio, Buenos Aires: no risk.
Caribbean
LOW — limited areas
Haiti: malaria risk. Dominican Republic: very low risk in resort areas. Other Caribbean islands: essentially malaria-free.
Middle East
VERY LOW for most destinations
UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt (tourist areas): no significant risk. Yemen and rural Iraq: some risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get a malaria prescription in Mississauga?
Malaria prevention medication requires a prescription from a physician — you cannot buy it over the counter. Peel Travel Clinic in Mississauga provides malaria prescriptions as part of a travel health consultation. Our travel medicine physician will assess your destination, itinerary, trip duration, and medical history to prescribe the most appropriate antimalarial medication. Call (905) 890-2757 to book.
What are my options for malaria prevention pills?
There are three main antimalarial medications available in Canada: Malarone (atovaquone-proguanil) — taken daily, started 1–2 days before travel, well-tolerated, best option for most travelers; Doxycycline — taken daily, requires sun protection, lowest cost, not suitable for pregnant women or children under 8; Mefloquine (Lariam) — taken weekly, convenient for long trips, may cause vivid dreams or mood changes in some people, suitable for most regions. The right choice depends on your destination's malaria species and drug resistance patterns, your medical history, and your preference.
What is Malarone and how do I take it?
Malarone (atovaquone-proguanil) is the most commonly prescribed malaria prevention medication in Canada. It is taken as one tablet daily with food or milk, starting 1–2 days before entering a malaria area, continuing daily throughout your stay, and for 7 days after leaving the malaria area. It is well-tolerated by most travelers. Side effects are uncommon but can include nausea, stomach upset, or headache — taking it with food reduces this. Malarone is not recommended during pregnancy or for children under 5 kg.
How much do malaria pills cost in Canada?
Cost varies by medication. Malarone (brand) is approximately $5–$8 per tablet; generic atovaquone-proguanil is approximately $3–$5 per tablet (a 2-week trip = about $50–$120 for the generic). Doxycycline is the lowest cost at approximately $0.50–$1.00 per tablet. Mefloquine (weekly) costs approximately $4–$6 per tablet. Drug costs are not covered by OHIP but may be partially covered by private insurance. We can provide a prescription for you to fill at any pharmacy.
Do I need malaria pills for Africa?
Yes — malaria prevention medication is strongly recommended for most travel to sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, and many others. Africa accounts for approximately 95% of global malaria deaths. Even short trips to cities like Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, or Dar es Salaam carry a risk. The specific drug recommended depends on the country — some regions have chloroquine-resistant malaria, which affects the choice of medication.
Get Your Malaria Prescription in Mississauga
Travel medicine consultation and antimalarial prescription at Peel Travel Clinic.
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Disclaimer: Malaria risk and recommended prophylaxis varies by destination region, season, and individual medical history. All antimalarial medications require a prescription. This page is for general guidance only and does not replace a personalized consultation with our travel medicine physician. Please book an appointment to discuss which vaccines and medications are right for you.