EXHIBIT 23

                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT




We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No.
333-34551 on Form S-8 and Registration Statement Nos. 33-71798, 33-99722,
33-93914 and 333-37955 on Form S-3 of Dura Pharmaceuticals, Inc. of our report
dated January 27, 1999, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Dura
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1998.



/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

San Diego, California
March 30, 1999