Pernix Therapeutics S-3 Shelf registration

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” in this Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Pernix Therapeutics Holdings, Inc., for the registration of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants, and units and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated March 29, 2011, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Pernix Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2010, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P.

Charlotte, North Carolina

May 31, 2011