Because you cannot even swallow saliva from severe throat pain, a povidone‑iodine gargle is not appropriate now and you need prompt medical assessment.

⚕️ What this likely means

• Inability to swallow saliva suggests a severe throat problem such as peritonsillar abscess, severe pharyngitis/tonsillitis, or epiglottitis — all can cause intense pain and trouble handling secretions.
• These conditions can progress quickly and need urgent evaluation by an ENT (ear, nose and throat) doctor.

💊 About Apollo Povidone‑iodine 2% gargle

• The product is for external gargling only (dilute 1:1 with water, rinse/gargle ≥30 seconds, spit out); it must not be swallowed.
• Because you cannot gargle or reliably spit now, using it risks accidental ingestion and choking; avoid it until you can safely gargle.
• Avoid if you have iodine allergy, known thyroid disease, or are pregnant — discuss with your doctor.

🏥 Immediate actions (next steps)

• Seek urgent in‑person assessment by an ENT doctor or go to the emergency room (ER) now.
• For short‑term pain relief, consider paracetamol (e.g., Crocin) per label instructions unless contraindicated.
• Sip small amounts of cool fluids to prevent dehydration if you can tolerate them.
• Do not attempt to gargle while unable to control secretions or if you feel choking.

⚠️ Red flags — go to ER or call emergency now

• Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing (stridor).
• Drooling or inability to handle saliva.
• High fever with severe weakness or rapidly worsening symptoms.
  If any of these are present, go to emergency care immediately or call emergency services (Apollo Emergency - 1066).

🩺 Follow‑up question

• How long have you been unable to swallow even saliva, and are you experiencing any breathing difficulty?

If you want, I can explain when and how the gargle is safely used once swallowing improves.