Manevac Granules - 400g

What are Manevac granules?

Manevac granules are a combination laxative treatment used to relieve constipation. They contain the active ingredients ispaghula seed, ispaghula husk, and Tinnevelly senna fruit. The ispaghula provides bulk-forming fibre that helps soften and increase stool bulk, while the senna stimulates the bowel to encourage more regular bowel movements.

The granules are usually taken dry on the tongue with plenty of water, following the instructions in the patient information leaflet.

What are Manevac granules used for?

Manevac granules are used for the short-term relief of constipation.They may be recommended for:

• occasional constipation
• hard stools
• irregular bowel movements
• constipation linked to reduced fibre intake

Because Manevac combines stimulant and fibre-based ingredients, it may help people who require both stool softening and bowel stimulation.

How does Manevac work?

Manevac works through the combined effects of its active ingredients: tinnevelly senna fruit and ispaghula seed and ispaghula husk.

This combination of ipaghula seed, ispaghula husk, and tinnevelly senna pods help to support bowel movement and easier stool passage when taken with plenty of fluid by making stools softer while encouraging normal bowel movements.

How long does Manevac take to work?

The stimulant effect of the senna in Manevac usually works within 6–12 hours. This is why it's often taken at bedtime, so that the treatment can get to work overnight.

The fibre provided by the ispaghula seed and husk supports softer, bulkier stools, although this part of the treatment may take a little longer to have its full effect. How quickly Manevac works can vary depending on:

• your diet and fluid intake
• the severity of your constipation
• your individual bowel habits

How to use Manevac granules

Always use Manevac exactly as directed by your healthcare professional or the patient information leaflet.

When using Manevac granules:

• Mix the granules with food or place granules on tongue and take with liquid as instructed.
• Swallow without chewing the granules.
• Drink plenty of fluids during treatment.

Typical dosing varies depending on age and symptoms.

To help reduce the risk of constipation returning, you should:

• maintain good hydration
• increase your daily fibre intake
• stay physically active where possible

How long can you use Manevac granules for?

Manevac is usually intended for short-term use. Using stimulant laxatives like senna for prolonged periods may increase the risk of:

• dependence on laxatives
• reduced normal bowel function
• electrolyte imbalance

If constipation persists for more than a few days or becomes recurrent, seek medical advice.

Manevac side effects

Like all medicines, Manevac can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Common side effects include:

• abdominal cramps
• diarrhoea
• bloating
• wind

Less common side effects include:

• feeling sick (nausea)
• being sick (vomiting)
• skin reactions
• electrolyte imbalance with prolonged use

Senna may also cause the harmless discolouration of urine in some people.

Seek medical advice if you experience:

• severe abdominal pain
• persistent diarrhoea
• signs of dehydration
• rectal bleeding
• symptoms that worsen despite treatment

When not to use Manevac granules

Manevac may not be suitable if you:

• have bowel obstruction or intestinal blockage
• have inflammatory bowel disease flare-ups
• have unexplained abdominal pain
• are severely dehydrated
• are allergic to senna, sterculia, or any other ingredients found in the granules

Speak to your healthcare professional before use if you:

• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• have kidney or heart problems
• take medicines affected by electrolyte changes

Laxatives should not be used continuously without medical supervision.

Storage information

• Store below 25°C.
• Keep the container tightly closed.
• Protect from moisture.
• Keep out of sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date.

Alternatives treatments

If Manevac is not suitable, other constipation treatments may include:

Bulk-forming laxatives:

• Fybogel: works by helping your stools to retain fluid to make them softer and easier to pass.
• Ispaghula husk products: works by increasing the bulk of the stools, encouraging the bowels to move stool through the digestive system.

Stimulant laxatives:

• Senna tablets: work by making your bowel muscles contract more often and with more force, helping to move the contents of the bowel and making it easier to go to the toilet.
• Bisacodyl: a suppository that works by softening your stool and shifting your bowels to release a bowel movement.

Osmotic laxatives:

• Lactulose: an oral liquid solution that draws water into your bowel, softening hardened stools and making it easier for them to pass through your system.
• Macrogol sachets: works by increasing the volume of stool by binding it together with water, which encourages increased movement in the colon and softer stool

Sources

• Manevac Granules 3.5 g Granules. (2025). Electronic Medicines Compendium. [Accessed 23 July 2026].
• Constipation. (2025). NHS. [Accessed 23 July 2026].
• Laxatives. (2025). NHS. [Accessed 23 July 2026].
• Constipation in adults. (2024). NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. [Accessed 23 July 2026].
• Constipation. (2025). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). [Accessed 23 July 2026].
• Constipation. (2025). Guts UK Charity. [Accessed 23 July 2026].
• (2025). British National Formulary (BNF). [Accessed 23 July 2026].