<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from
Chattem, Inc.'s unaudited financial statements and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          NOV-30-1995
<PERIOD-START>                             DEC-01-1994
<PERIOD-END>                               MAY-31-1995
<CASH>                                           2,996
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   21,821
<ALLOWANCES>                                       250
<INVENTORY>                                      6,716
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                33,560
<PP&E>                                          23,593
<DEPRECIATION>                                  14,517
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  88,035
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           24,669
<BONDS>                                         81,373
<COMMON>                                         1,519
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                    (20,863)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    88,035
<SALES>                                         46,486
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                46,486
<CGS>                                           14,785
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   40,650
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               5,847
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                     81
<INCOME-TAX>                                        22
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                 59
<DISCONTINUED>                                  10,538
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                  (367)
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    10,230
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.40
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.40