<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the inclusion of our report dated March 21, 2000, with respect to
the financial statements of Spiros Development Corporation II, Inc. for the year
ended December 31, 1999 in the Current Report on Form 8-K of Dura
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. that is expected to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on or about September 15, 2000, and to the incorporation by
reference of such Form 8-K in Registration Statement No. 333-90891 on Form S-8
and Registration Statement Nos. 33-71798, 33-93914, and 333-37955 on Form S-3 of
Dura Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
San Diego, California
September 15, 2000