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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1


               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

         We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-45573) pertaining to the 1988 and 1990 Stock Option
Plans, in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-88590) pertaining to the
1992 Stock Option Plan, in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-311419)
pertaining to the 1995 Stock Option Plan, and in the Registration Statement
(Form S-8 No. 33-333647) pertaining to the 1996 Stock Option Plan of Medicis
Pharmaceutical Corporation of our report dated August 7, 1998 with respect to
the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Medicis Pharmaceutical
Corporation included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended June
30, 1998.

                                       /s/ ERNST & YOUNG, LLP

Phoenix, Arizona
September 23, 1998