Q: Your column is a blast. Have you compiled a list of all the uses of Vicks VapoRub? I find it amazing how many things can be done with one simple product!

Vicks VapoRub has been available for nearly 100 years, and in that time people have figured out a lot of ways to put it to use. Easing chest congestion is standard, of course, but have you considered applying it to the soles of your feet for a persistent nighttime cough? People have also employedz it against splinters, headaches, sore joints, wasp stings, mosquito bites and toenail fungus.

A: Hardly any of these uses has been studied scientifically, but we provide the details in our new “Guide to Unique Uses for Vicks,” which we are sending you. Others who would like a copy should send $2 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. Vi-76, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.

Q: I have a 19-year-old cat to whom I am very attached. I know her time will come soon. I don’t want to take her to the vet to be put down because she is terrified of both vets and needles. I would like to give her medication myself that would put her to sleep. My wife and I have prescriptions for Serax and lorazepam. Would either of these work? What dose would I need?

A: Please do not attempt to put your cat to sleep yourself. Cats react quite differently from humans to many medications. The sleeping pills you have on hand could cause your cat needless suffering.

Many veterinarians are willing to make a house call to euthanize an animal they have cared for. That way, your cat will not have the distress of going to the veterinary office, and there will be no risk of her suffering as a result of getting the wrong dose. The veterinarian has the appropriate medication and training to do this humanely.

Q: After 30 years of frequent and severe sinus infections, I was delighted when an allergist put me on Vancenase nasal spray. It afforded me great relief, and I’ve been using it since 1993.

Last year there was a recall, and Vancenase was unavailable for months. Schering (the manufacturer) had a problem with the formulation. I lived on Sudafed and Afrin until it was available again.

Now it is on back order, and I am desperate. Is there any other medicine similar to Vancenase?

A: Vancenase nasal spray contains the cortisonelike compound beclomethasone. This same ingredient is found in the prescription spray Beconase AQ. Your physician could prescribe this instead of Vancenase, or might select a different steroid nasal spray.

There are now many to choose from, including Flonase (fluticosone), Nasacort (triamcinolone), Nasarel (flunisolide), Nasonex (mometasone) and Rhinocort Aqua (budesonide).

Q: What is the value of the “enteric” form of aspirin? I need to take aspirin for my heart, and I’m aware it can cause gastric ulcers. I thought the enteric aspirin would be safer than regular aspirin, but my pharmacist told me it, too, can cause ulcers.

A: Aspirin in any form can cause ulcers in susceptible individuals. Enteric-coated aspirin is designed to dissolve in the lower intestine instead of the stomach. But once aspirin starts circulating in the blood stream, ulcers are a potential complication.

Q: A friend of ours uses plain mustard for leg cramps. She swallows a teaspoonful of mustard to relieve the pain whenever she gets leg cramps. This home remedy works so well for her that she carries packets of mustard wherever she goes.

Because I’m a retired pharmacist and my wife is a retired nurse, she asked us if we’ve ever heard of this. We never have; have you?

A: This is a new one for us. People tell us that a teaspoon of yellow mustard can alleviate heartburn. Presumably the turmeric in mustard is responsible for this benefit, because it has been used for digestive problems for centuries. Turmeric also has anti-inflammatory properties, which might explain how it helps your friend with leg cramps.