Compositions containing metal salts of methotrexate and methotrexate derivatives or analogs are disclosed. Such compositions comprise a metal salt, preferably a zinc salt, of methotrexate or a methotrexate derivative or analog and a carrier suitable for delivering the metal salt in the desired pharmacological form. Methods of treatment are also disclosed in which such compositions are topically applied or orally or parenterally administered to a patient. The metal salt is present in the treating composition in an amount sufficient to produce the desired therapeutic effect upon application or administration.