<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from
Schering-Plough Corporation and subsidiaries consolidated Financial Statements,
and related Exhibits for the three months ended March 31, 1997 and is qualified
in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1997
<CASH>                                          757100
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   755700
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     575900
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               2812100
<PP&E>                                         3374800
<DEPRECIATION>                                 1125600
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 5856300
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          2799400
<BONDS>                                          46000
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                        507400
<OTHER-SE>                                     1789100
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   5856300
<SALES>                                        1568100
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               1568100
<CGS>                                           289300
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   289300
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                179200
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 497100
<INCOME-TAX>                                    121800
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             375300
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    375300
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.03
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.02