Tramadol HCL or Tramadol

The pharmaceutical manufacturers change the name of their drugs for different markets. So, in this case, the main brand name is Ultram and the generic name is Tramadol Hydrochloride, usually shortened to Tramadol HCL or Tramadol on its own. In all cases, the chemical composition of the differently named tablets is the same and, to get FDA approval to sell the generic versions, the manufacturers must run clinical trials to prove the same levels of safety and effectiveness. But, there is a combination drug with the brand name Ultracet. This is a mixture of Tramadol and Acetaminophen, a less powerful painkiller sold without prescription. The generic name for this drug is Tramadol APAP.