EXHIBIT 23.1

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


   
         We consent to the  reference to our firm under the  captions  "Selected
Financial  Data" and  "Experts"  and to the use of our report dated  January 13,
1997, in Post-Effective  Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement (Form S-1
No.  333-41195)  and  related  Prospectus  of  Connetics   Corporation  for  the
registration of 1,750,000 shares of its common stock.
    


                                                     /s/  ERNST & YOUNG LLP
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Palo Alto, California
December 19, 1997