EXHIBIT 23.1

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


         We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in
this post-effective amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement (Form S-3, No.
333-108246) and related Prospectus of Connetics Corporation for the registration
of $90,000,000 of aggregate principal amount of 2.25% Convertible Senior Notes
due May 30, 2008 and 4,203,450 shares of its common stock and to the
incorporation by reference therein of our report dated January 24, 2003, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Connetics
Corporation included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K/A) for the year ended
December 31, 2002, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                                           /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Palo Alto, California
February 6, 2004