EXHIBIT 23.1




                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



     We hereby  consent to the  incorporation  by reference in the  Registration
Statements  of  Tekelec  on Form  S-8  (Registration  Nos.  33-48079,  33-82124,
33-60611, 333-05933,  333-28887,  333-37843, 333-71261, 333-86147 and 333-39588)
and on Form S-3 (Registration No.333-95649) of our reports dated March 28, 2001,
relating  to  consolidated   financial  statements  and  consolidated  financial
statement schedule which appear in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.






/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Woodland Hills, California
April 2, 2001