Why malaria pills matter
Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, present across sub-Saharan Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and parts of the Americas. Unlike most vaccine-preventable travel illnesses, there is no malaria vaccine approved for Canadian travellers. Prevention relies entirely on prescription antimalarial medication plus mosquito-bite avoidance.
Getting the right medication matters — both for effectiveness and tolerability. Here's how the three main options compare.
Malaria medication comparison
| Medication | Start before travel | Continue after | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malarone (atovaquone-proguanil) | 1–2 days | 7 days | Our price list | Short trips, sensitive travellers |
| Doxycycline | 1–2 days | 4 weeks | Our price list | Budget, longer trips |
| Mefloquine | 2–3 weeks | 4 weeks | Our price list | Long trips, weekly dosing |
Malarone (atovaquone-proguanil) — first-line for most travellers
Malarone is the most commonly prescribed antimalarial for Canadian travellers. It is well-tolerated, requires only 7 days post-trip (vs 4 weeks for alternatives), and has a convenient daily dosing schedule. Generic atovaquone-proguanil is medically identical to Malarone brand but significantly less expensive.
Cost: see our travel vaccine price list
Not ideal for: Very long trips (4+ months) where doxycycline is more cost-effective
Doxycycline — budget-friendly for longer trips
Doxycycline is the most affordable antimalarial option, making it well-suited for extended travel (months vs weeks). It requires sun protection (increases photosensitivity) and should be taken with food to minimize GI upset. Women may be more prone to yeast infections during extended use.
Cost: see our travel vaccine price list
Not suitable for: Children under 8, pregnancy or breastfeeding
Mefloquine — for long trips where weekly dosing is preferred
Mefloquine is taken once weekly and has the convenience of fewer doses on a long trip. However, it is started at least 1 week before travel (some travellers start 2–3 weeks early to spot side effects before they leave) and has a neuropsychiatric side-effect profile that makes it inappropriate for travellers with a history of depression, anxiety, or psychiatric conditions.
Not suitable for: Anyone with history of depression, anxiety, seizures, or psychiatric disorders
Which destinations require malaria pills?
- Sub-Saharan Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia — all require prophylaxis for most areas
- India: Most areas below 2,000 m — Malarone or doxycycline recommended
- Southeast Asia: Border regions of Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia (urban areas low risk)
- South America: Amazon regions of Peru, Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia
- Dominican Republic, Mexico resorts: Generally NOT required for standard resort travel
Get your prescription at TVTC
Our licensed physicians review your specific destination, itinerary, health history, and budget to recommend the right antimalarial. Virtual consultation from Mississauga, Brampton, Ottawa, or anywhere in Ontario.
Sources: PHAC Travel Health | CDC Yellow Book — Malaria
Need travel health advice?
A $110 virtual consultation with a licensed physician. We build your personalised vaccine and malaria plan, then deliver your prescriptions anywhere in Ontario.