Hartig Drug Company has announced the addition of Nefense nasal care products to its shelves at select locations across Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. The move brings together two Dubuque-founded entities, offering customers a range of drug-free options for daily nasal hygiene.
The Nefense line, developed by Dubuque-based Richard Downs, DDS, leverages over four decades of clinical expertise in oral health, breathing, and airway function. Hartig Drug, established in Dubuque in 1904, has served the region for generations, and this partnership underscores a shared commitment to local innovation and community health.
“We are excited to offer Nefense nasal solutions at Hartig drug stores,” said Charlie Hartig, CEO of Hartig Drug Company. “There is real meaning in this too: a Dubuque developed product line now on Hartig shelves, reaching the communities we serve together.”
Nefense products available at participating Hartig Drug stores include Hyponasal, a hypochlorous acid (HOCl) nasal spray for routine cleansing; Hyponasal Junior, formulated for children; Hypobaby, an ultra-gentle option for infants and young children; and Xyloclean, a xylitol-based spray for moisturizing nasal passages. These non-medicated, steroid-free formulations aim to rinse away everyday dust, pollen, and airborne particles while supporting natural nasal health.
Hypochlorous acid is a natural molecule produced by white blood cells as part of the body’s immune response. Its applications in medicine are expanding, as noted by Dr. F. Hunter Fuerste, a board-certified ophthalmologist in Dubuque. “It is a gentle, nontoxic, naturally occurring molecule produced by white blood cells that has both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties,” he said. “Today, HOCl is being used in areas including skincare, wound care, eyelid hygiene for blepharitis, and oral rinses.” Published research has evaluated low-concentration HOCl nasal irrigation in people with chronic sinonasal symptoms and allergic rhinitis, though those studies were not specific to Nefense-branded products.
The addition of Nefense aligns with Hartig Drug’s focus on offering health, wellness, and everyday consumer products, including those developed by local businesses. For customers seeking alternatives to medicated decongestants, the Nefense assortment provides age-specific options for adults, children, and infants. This launch also highlights the synergy between two Dubuque-rooted companies, bringing a locally developed product line to a pharmacy chain that has called the city home for more than 120 years.
Nefense products are available now at participating Hartig Drug locations. Customers can visit hartigdrug.com/stores to find a nearby store and contact the location directly to confirm availability. For more information about Nefense, visit nefense.com.
