<PAGE>
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 No. 333-00000) and related Prospectus of Salix
Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. for the registration of 2,644,200 shares of its common
stock and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated March 9,
2000, (except Note 12, as to which the date is May 17, 2000) with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (formerly,
Salix Holdings, Ltd.) included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K405/A) for the
year ended December 31, 1999, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Raleigh, North Carolina
December 4, 2000