1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Duramed
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., for the registration of 4,130,252 shares of its common
stock.

We also consent to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated
March 27, 1997, except for Notes LM, as to which the dates are May 5, 1997 and
June 4, 1997 respectively, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements and schedule of Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., for the years ended
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, included in the Annual Report, as amended
(Form 10-K/A(Amendment No. 2)) for 1996 filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.

                                                              ERNST & YOUNG LLP



Cincinnati, Ohio
February 5, 1998