An antimicrobial composition is disclosed that contains an acid-solubilized copper ammonium or copper-zinc ammonium complex that is effective against microorganisms such as nosocomial or environmental bacteria, fungi, viruses, and the like. The antimicrobial composition can be used in the preparation of a medicament for treating microbes or a microbial infection, and may contain a carrier to create a cream, soap, wash, spray, dressing, cleanser, cosmetic product, topical drug product, or other antimicrobial product.