The present invention provides polymeric and pharmaceutical compositions comprising a polymer that contains vicinal amine moieties, referred to as polyvicinalamine polymers. The polyvicinalamines can be copolymers or homopolymers. Methods of use of the polymeric and pharmaceutical compositions for therapeutic and/or prophylactic benefits are disclosed herein. Examples of these methods include the treatment of renal diseases, hyperphosphatemia, and the removal of bile acids, oxalates and iron from the gastrointestinal tract.