<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from Chattem,
Inc.'s audited financial statements and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          NOV-30-1999
<PERIOD-START>                             DEC-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               NOV-30-1999
<CASH>                                           2,308
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   55,932
<ALLOWANCES>                                       900
<INVENTORY>                                     27,818
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                93,038
<PP&E>                                          45,683
<DEPRECIATION>                                  19,931
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 491,624
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           66,625
<BONDS>                                        358,950
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         2,021
<OTHER-SE>                                      46,680
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   491,624
<SALES>                                        298,142
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               298,142
<CGS>                                           75,612
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  225,941
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              36,572
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 36,208
<INCOME-TAX>                                    13,667
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             22,541
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                  2,385
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    20,156
<EPS-BASIC>                                       2.07
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     2.01